Navy-trained Dolphins and Sea Lions

 

An NMMP sea lion attaches a recovery line
 to a piece of test equipment during training

The Navy has a Marine Mammal Program that trains and treats about 75 dolphins and 25 sea lions.  The program was started in the 1960's in California.  They have nearly 60 animal trainers and 8 veterinarians on staff to care for all these animals.



Animal Trainer Elaine Aleen and Sam Ridgway, DVM
perform a health check on Navy dolphin



These animals were first studied because of their speed in the water.  It was thought these animals could serve as a blue print for faster submarines, torpedoes and ships.  The researchers soon found that the dolphins cooperative and intelligent nature made them easily trainable for a variety of underwater tasks.  They could carry equipment or rescue lines to divers.  They helped in Vietnam by hunting for enemy swimmers who were blowing up barges and ammo ships.  Then in Operation Iraqi Freedom they were deployed to clear underwater mines.  Amazing!!!

The animals are currently trained to hunt mines in San Diego Harbor.  After just a few exercises the animals know exactly where the fake mines are.  The dolphins like to be challenged and exercise new skills, so this is just another game to them.  It takes about three years before the dolphins are ready for real-life mine hunting.   I was very surprised to learn that no dolphin has ever been lost in the line of duty!  This is due to the extenisive training and careful, particular protocols the animals follow. 



A mammal handler brushing the teeth of a Bottlenose
dolphin in the well deck aboard the USS Gunston Hall (LSD-44)



Researchers are currently building underwater drones to replace the dolphins duties at sea.  No fear though, the Marine Mammal Foundation was created in 2007 to care for this animals after their military career has come to and end.  These animals are seen as veterans, some have served for over 40 years!

NMMP dolphins, such as the one pictured here
wearing a locating pinger, performed mine clearance
work in the Persian Gulf during the Iraq War

 

Personnel attending four dolphins
during a flight aboard a C-17 Globemaster III.